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Commassie frowns at dethronement of traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria
A renowned Peace Ambassador, Hussaini Haruna Commassie, has frowned at the “irrational” dethronement of traditional rulers, particularly Emirs in northern Nigeria, by state governors, with a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to enact laws that will save the traditional institutions from “reckless abuse” by state governors.
KANO FOCUS reports that Ambassador Commassie, the Global Vice Chairman, International Commission for Peace and Good Governance, who reacted to the Emirship tussle in Kano, also urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to discard Emir Muhammad Sanusi ll and dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to pave way for the emergence of a new Emir in the interest of peace since the two brothers have refused to step down for each other.
Ambassador, Hussaini Haruna Commassie
“I am advising Kano state government that both Emir Sanusi and Emir Aminu should be kept aside since both of them are not agreeing to step down; and they are not the only Princes of Kano.
“So, they should be kept aside. The King-makers should appoint three persons that will contest for the throne. This will go a long way to solving the problem; and it will be better for Kano state government.”
The peace ambassador who is also the Head of Mission, International Peace Commission, Nigeria, blamed both former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for allowing the Kano Emirship tussle to to take peace-threatening dimension.
He said: “As a peace-maker, I have to be diplomatic and apolitical. The Governors in Nigeria should know that the traditional institurions are there even before the coming of the Whiteman.
“These Emirs are representing Islamic teachings! And they are very close to the grassroots. When you toy with traditional institutions, you are indirectly shooting yourself in the leg. These governors should know that the areas they are clashing with the Emirs are very alarming.
“It is time to put it on standstill. The Emir of Gwandu was removed just because of somebody’s selfish interest. Sultan Dasuki was equally removed, a Supreme leader of Islamic affairs, for that matter!
“And now, it is Kano. The way and manner the governors are bastardizing the system (let me use this word with emphasis) is very annoying and painful.
“If it continues like this, every Governor must come with his own Emir. I am not questioning the authority of the Governors, but some of the moves made by both former Governor Ganduje and Governor Yusuf are very wrong. I do not take sides, I am neutral in this case.”
Ambassador Commassie appealed to the Federal Government to accommodate the traditional institutions in the constitution so as to, “give the Royal Fathers cover, give them position, give them a stand in the constitution.
” They are not captured in the constitution at all, a Local Government Chairman is ahead of the Emir, no matter how highly placed he is—-whether First Class or whatever!
“But the Emirs were formerly the Governors in their states before colonialism. During that colonial era, they used our Emirs to get at us because they know we listened to them—that was indirect rule.
“So, why shouldn’t the traditional institution be captured in the constitution? If the Whiteman used them to get at us, why is the blackman trying not only to discontinue with the Emirs, but to bastardize the system or to abolish their activities and performances in Governance? ”
He insisted that, “it is too bad! It is time for the National Assembly to make laws that will empower the traditional institurion. It will not be fair for a Governor to remove an Emir without vetting. It must be vetted by the National Assembly.
” Look at a lot happening in Sokoto. A Sultan that is representing the Muslim world is being threatened by the Governor of a state! The Governor of a state is trying to bastardize the institution. If this is what is happening to us, I can see danger ahead. ”
Ambassador Commassie called on President Tinubu to, ” caution the governors now. If need be that the powers of the Emirs should be captured in the constitution, so be it.
“Let the National Assembly start making move. I am advising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to look into the constitution very well and see how they can accommodate the traditional institurion because the ordinary citizens are the ones suffering.
“The Governors stay, highest eight years, and they will go and leave us with all these crises they are creating.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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